3 Reasons You're Not Getting Depression Treatment Strategies Isn't Working (And What You Can Do To Fix It)
Depression Treatment Strategies
The good news is that depression can be treated. The first thing you need to do is seek help from a physician or therapist.
The treatment plan may include psychotherapy (talk therapy) or medication. People with severe depression may require hospitalization, especially in cases where they are at risk of harming themselves. Finding the right combination of treatment may take some time.
1. Medication
The use of medication can ease depression symptoms and reduce the chance of recurrence. The ability of a patient to take medications may differ and the side effects must be closely monitored.
Psychotherapy or talk therapy is a different approach to treating depression. Counseling can help patients overcome negative perceptions about themselves or their worth, which can contribute to the symptoms. It may also help them discover ways to alter destructive habits of behavior. Psychotherapy is provided by a mental health professional like a licensed social worker licensed marriage and family counselor, licensed psychologist, or a licensed psychiatrist. A physician can refer someone to psychotherapy through a local psychiatric societies or medical schools, or community health centers. Employee Assistance Programs at work, online locators, or workplace Employee Assistance Programs are also options.
Many people have difficulty sticking to the prescribed medication for depression. This is known as noncompliance and is an obstacle to recovery. Noncompliance can lead to an increase in symptoms and poor compliance to treatment. It also increases the likelihood of suicide. Evidence suggests that a combination brief psychotherapy with antidepressants works better than either of them alone.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is frequently used in combination with talk therapy for depression. It helps patients identify negative judgments and patterns of thinking that are not helpful which allows them to change their way of looking at situations. CBT can be combined with psychotherapy for interpersonal relationships that focuses on improving problematic situations and relationships. Other possible treatments include ECT which involves the passing of electrical currents through the brain and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), in which magnetic pulses stimulate areas of the brain that are involved in mood regulation. ECT is used to treat severe depression when other treatments do not work or if the patient is at risk.
2. Therapy
Psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can help treat depression by addressing the root causes of your emotional turmoil. Certain kinds of psychotherapy can relieve symptoms and improve social functioning, relationships, and improve emotional health. Many mental health professionals have been trained in psychotherapy and are able to provide this kind of treatment. These professionals include licensed clinical social workers as well as family and marriage therapists as well as psychologists. They also have training in treating specific disorders, such as depression. You may be referred to one of these specialists by your primary care physician or community mental health centers or workplace Employee Assistance Programs.
Based on the requirements of each person The type of therapy that is appropriate for each person can be short-term (short-term) or long-term (long-term). Certain forms of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy can help you identify unhealthy habits and thoughts and replace them with healthier ones. These therapies teach you how to cope with stress and emotions. Other psychotherapies, such as psychoanalytic or psychodynamic therapy are based on the belief that your emotions and behaviors are caused by unresolved unconscious conflicts. These treatments typically take months or more to finish.
In addition to traditional face-toface office sessions, there are a variety of alternative formats for therapy, such as animal-assisted therapy, creative art therapy, and play therapy. These approaches use art and music to aid in self-expression and help you in your therapy.
It's important to work with your therapist to determine the most effective approach for you, and also to develop clear treatment goals. Follow innovative depression treatment of your therapist and make sure you attend your scheduled sessions as often as you can. This will ensure that you receive the maximum benefit from your therapy.
4. Nutrition
Changes in your diet are an easy and effective way to improve your mental health. Unlike antidepressants, which have a list of possible side effects that can be difficult to manage or not be suitable for everyone, diet changes can be a more natural method to combat depression.
A diet low in sugar, salt and processed fats can alleviate depression symptoms. Try replacing these meals with wholesome, nutritious options like fruits, vegetables, legumes (such as black beans), whole grains and seeds, as well as nuts. Oily fish can reduce inflammation and improve mood.
Beans are an excellent source of protein, fiber and folate. Folate is a B vitamin that helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and improve mood. Folate is also present in dark greens, oranges, and whole grains.
A diet that is rich in anti-inflammatory foods, like berries, may also help alleviate depression symptoms. Anti-inflammatory foods reduce inflammation and the risk of depression by reducing cortisol production an enzyme that can increase blood pressure and heartbeat.
Take into consideration eating a variety of foods to obtain enough vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C, A, D and E, along with iron, magnesium, potassium zinc, selenium, and calcium. Aim for two servings of oily fish a week or take an omega-3 supplement to help fight depression.
Limit alcohol and other drugs that can exacerbate depression. If you're having difficulty in reducing your intake, talk with your doctor about alternatives to treatment, such as dialectical psychotherapy or group therapy. These can be beneficial for people with depression.
5. Self-care
Self-care can be any technique that makes you feel relaxed or boosts your energy. It includes things like getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet and doing things that make you feel happy. Self-care can also include taking a walk, practicing gratitude, or sharing a laugh with a pal. When you are dealing with depression, it can be difficult to commit to self-care however even the smallest of actions can add up to make you feel better.
Your doctor will give you guidance on which self-care strategies are most beneficial. They may refer to psychologists, a mental health professional or other professional. Medicare will reimburse you for these services if your doctor creates a GP mental health plan (for details, ask your doctor). If you're having thoughts of suicide, your doctor will recommend that you contact the local crisis support service or the emergency department of your nearest major hospital to get a mental health evaluation.
Psychological treatments (also known as talking therapies) have been proven to be effective at treating depression. They can help change negative thinking patterns and improve coping skills so you're better equipped to deal with life's challenges and conflicts. One of the most commonly used psychological treatments is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps you recognize and address negative thinking patterns.
Self-help strategies, like eating, sleeping and exercise can be beneficial for people suffering from depression. The willingness and ability of someone to employ these strategies is contingent upon their level of depression and how much assistance they need. These strategies can be helpful, but they do not solve depression. They also require time to implement.